Cheer New York

Well, I suppose it’s no secret at this point that I don’t blog as often as I wish I did.

I don’t know what I was thinking, but I thought it had only been about a month since my last post...

Sorry peps.

As promised, what follows is some wonderful news I’ve been dying to share with you all since August! But, as you will understand very shortly, I’ve been a busy girl!

November of last year, I had gotten together with an old Cheer Ltd. friend, Kelly, who had told me about this adult cheerleading team, Cheer New York. She didn’t know a lot about it, but she planted a seed in my brain. That night I went home and did as much online research about the team as I could. As soon as I landed on the home page of their website, I knew I wanted a piece of the action.

I contacted the coach that night about when the next tryouts were, because Kelly had mentioned that she thought they might be in January. A short time later, the coach got back to me saying that there were in fact mid-season tryouts in January, but that they were primarily to fill spots for fliers or power tumblers. If you know me at all, you know I’m neither. He suggested I come to their full tryout that would be held late summer. It wasn’t long before I was regularly creeping on their Facebook page and website to get any updates about the upcoming tryouts. I was not about to miss this opportunity.

As the end of summer approached, I was working hard on getting into shape (I had done enough investigating to know that their girls wore half tops...) and worked on my flexibility. Especially because the coach had mentioned that they’re fliers are traditionally under 5’5”.... I had a lot of work in front of me. Before I knew it, the tryouts were here. Thankfully, there was enough girls shorter than me that I was able to tryout as a base which relieved my biggest anxiety: trying out as a flier! The coaches, captains, and alumni continued to hound into us that we were really just here to have fun, and not take the tryout so seriously and just have fun. After dusting off a dance I hadn’t performed since 2005, I decided to do just that- go out there and have a good time. What was the worst that could happen? I’d tried out for tons of teams in the past, and I’m too old to be getting upset and nervous over a team that just wants to have fun.

My name was called first because they decided to run the tryouts alphabetically... ok, now I was nervous. My music came on “It’s showtime folks!” and off I went... having the most amazing audition I’ve ever experience in my entire life. I did exactly what I set out to do, kick some ass, and have fun while doing it. The applause and reaction I got when I finished left me feeling fantastic. Even though I messed up a little bit, I knew I gave it my best effort.

After watching 20+ other talented cheerleaders tryout after me, I started to become less confident. There was some really unique competition.

We left that night being told we would know the verdict by 11:00am the following morning.

me, Norman, Tony, Kaia, and Latoya after auditioning

I resisted the urge as long as I could, but by 10:00am I was signed into my Gmail and hitting the refresh button at least every 5 minutes. Finally, at 10:55am (yes, I looked it up so I could be sure ;) I got the news- I was part of the Newbie class of 2011-2012, I MADE THE TEAM!!

Newbie Night at Boxers Bar

August 11, 2011 will go down in history of one of the happiest days of my life!!

Since August, this team has been nothing but a great time. It is hands down the greatest, most fun team I’ve ever been on in my 13+ years of cheerleading.

Dannie, Wilson and Brian

Cheer New York is an all-volunteer non-profit adult cheerleading squad, made up of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Straight allies (LGBTS), has been serving the NY-NJ area since 2002 by inspiring hope and encouragement in audiences wherever we perform and raising money for people with challenging conditions and life-threatening illnesses through its “Cheer for Life” fund.

Being on this team is exactly what I needed. I have met so many amazing people who, I’m certain I’ll be friends forever with.

my cheer husbands, Dennnis and Dannie

This team builds me up when I’m feeling down.

my roommates Krishna, Jet and I at Sea Tea

This team gives me reason to stay motivated to stay in shape when all I want to do is eat ice cream and pizza.

This team is my family.

at the ING NYC Marathon

Thank you Cheer New York, for selecting me to be a member of this team. I am forever grateful.

I cannot wait for us to get back together in January for the second half of our season!

**If you would like to make a donation, you may do so by going to the Cheer New York website, cheerny.org and then clicking on the “donations” tab.

Up and down. And down again!

As I recently told you in my last BLOG, I’ve been working for a private training gym, Brownings Fitness since mid April. Just a couple of weeks before I started working there, I began to get back into running. Boy was it rough at first. I would usually run about 3 miles at a time, but it was taking me close to an hour to complete that, and I would be extremely sore the following day (if not by that night). I knew getting a gym job was exactly the extra boost I needed to get myself in gear. I didn’t waste a whole lot of time getting to know the trainers and getting a feel for who was more open to training front desk staff than others. I started training only about once every two weeks, and quickly bumped it up to once a week, if not twice or three times. 

It wasn’t long before I was already noticing a difference in my body, my energy, and my overall mentality. Before it got way too hot, I was still running at least 2-3 days a week outside. As it started to warm up, I was hitting the treadmill 2-3 times a week and doing my best to get in at least 1 outdoor run per week. I began to notice that my outdoor runs were getting easier and easier. I was running at faster minutes per mile, and even when I tried, I couldn’t get myself to slow down. This also became a really fun way to get to know my new neighborhood. 

I’m so glad (as I’ve already mentioned) I started working for Brownings. It honestly was exactly what I needed in life: a better paycheck; something that I’m actually passionate about; and more than anything, a constant reminder of how I should be living my life. Healthfully. 

I’m sure that some people still (and always will) look at me and think I’m over weight, or that I could loose a little here, or a little there. Now, I’m not saying that I don’t have those same thoughts from time-to-time. But what I do know, is that I feel like this is the first time in my life when I actually like my body. This is definitely not the thinest I’ve ever been- but I like what’s going on. I love watching the changes in my body. I am actually enjoying learning more and more about the training and nutritional side of everything. 

I feel fairly confident that this is probably where my body will be for the foreseeable future. I do not plan on having kids anytime soon (or ever at the rate I’m going), and feel pretty good that I can keep up with the workouts and “diet” I’m on right now. 

**To be clear, I’m not on any specific diet. I’m just trying a lot harder to be conscience about what I eat, how much I eat, and when I eat. I still eat pizza regularly and don’t plan on giving that up anytime soon.  

So take a look, and see for yourself. 

The photo on the left was taken of me just one day before I moved to NYC almost a year ago in August 2010. The photo on the right was just a couple of weeks ago in Southampton.

Looking back at pictures from a year ago, and even from 2 and 3 years ago; I realize now that I was hands down the heaviest I've ever been in Aug. 2010. It's shameful that I ever let it get that out of hand and have made a promise to myself to never let that happen again.

To be honest, even if you don’t see the difference, or think I could still stand to loose a bit more- I don’t really care. I’m happy, and that’s all that matters :) I know that I’m being healthy and doing something really great for myself. 

I hope that you can find inspiration somewhere, wherever it may be- to commit yourself to a healthier future! And even if you fall off the wagon, don’t let it knock you down! Pick yourself back up and get back on that healthy train! You owe it to yourself :)

SIDE NOTE: Tomorrow marks my 1 year anniversary in NYC! Time has absolutely flown by since I've moved here. The first few months sure did drag on, and were a bit rough at times, but the last 5 months have more than picked up and sometimes I want to barf I'm so happy. 
I want to thank each and everyone of you that have supported me and believed in me. 
An even bigger thank you to those of you who ever doubted me too- you have no idea how much pride it gives me that 365 days later, I'm proving you wrong. 
I can't wait to share my next post with you! I have the most fun news to share with you!!! 
To be continued.... 

NEW, New York City

I know it’s been a minute since I’ve written anything. To those of you who actually read this, I’m sorry. However I haven’t heard any requests to post anything new, so I don’t think anyone is too devastated that I haven’t posted in four months. 

I started this blog because I was about to embark on this brand new, big huge, journey. I thought, maybe someone out there will be interested enough to follow me? Well now that I’ve “arrived” at my “destination”, and have been living here for close to a year, it’s all starting to seem less and less exciting. I mean no insult to NYC. This place is still packed full of excitement, surprise, and new things daily. But everything is becoming so routine now. Anything that was new and shocking 9 months ago is just life now. 

I will do my best to recap what has happened the last four months, and try keep it somewhat interesting for you-

Two major things have happened since I’ve posted last. 

First, I have moved out of my apartment in Brooklyn and am now living in Queens. Living with 5 people who all had very different personalities and living styles was just not working out for me. Many times, I considered sticking it out to the end of the lease. But after too many sleepless nights due to completely different sleep schedules; and picking up after others one too many times, I realized it was time for me to make a move. I found my new roommates on Craigslist and loved them right away. The only thing that I didn’t love right off the bat (and still don’t love, though am starting to get used to) is that I now live close to a mile away from the subway. I was spoiled my first 9 months in Brooklyn living only 1/2 block away from the subway. I try to remind myself every time I make the “trek” that it’s good exercise. But somedays, I really miss the ease of being closer. I’m not looking forward to the winter- but I’m sure I’ll get used to that as well. 

I am in love with my neighborhood, my apartment, and my roommates. I live with two guys in their late 20s, early 30s, both optometrists. One has lived in the apartment for 8 years, the other for 5 years.

*To answer the most common questions: No they are not a couple, and are both straight. 

I have a good sized room, a CLOSET! (this is very exciting) and my own bathroom!!! <- I don’t think a girl could ask for anything better!

The other “big news” I should share is that I have a new job! For a girl who could absolutely care less about comic books, it was only a matter of time before I gave up on that place. It was hard for me to get out of bed everyday and drag myself there. I was really unhappy, and was barely scrapping by with the pay check. I knew I wanted to work in the health & fitness industry because on the tiny paycheck I was getting, and the high price of gym memberships in this city- I knew it would be the only way I could get into a gym (most gyms offer free memberships to their employees). I now work front desk for a private training gym, Brownings Fitness. The job is 100 times better than anything I could have asked for. Not only do I get to use the gym for free whenever I want, but I am also able to make use of the trainers as often as I would like, I get a discounted subway card, and health insurance. On top of all of that, we have a location in Southampton and I am asked to go out there for about two weeks at a time to "work". I use that word loosely because while I do work every single day I am out there, the shifts are short and the days either start or end with me on a beach. 

I am extremely grateful for the changes in my life the last 3+ months. I don't feel like I have been this happy in a really long time. I feel very fortunate to be living the life that I do. I also can't thank Brownings enough for introducing me to so many amazing people...

These new coworkers, and now friends are what get me though each day. I honestly don't think I could do it without them.

So I do believe a big thank you is in order for Craigslist for helping me find not only perfect roommates, but a wonderful job, that has led me to friends that I'm sure will be around for a long time...

I can't wait to see what the next four months have in store for me...

And I promise, I'll try not to leave you all hanging quite so long!

Subway music

I don't think a single day has gone by where I haven't heard music in some form or fashion on the streets and subways of New York. 

I would venture to say, that, more often than not- it's more painful, than beautiful.

But a couple of times now, I feel really blessed to be in the right place, at the right time... and my ears get a little treat.

This was one of those times.

At first, I was not all that impressed by this guy. But then he started singing, and then I noticed he's 1) singing 2) playing the harmonica 3) playing the "drum" (or in this case a suitcase) 4) playing the tambourine, 5) playing the banjo...  all at the same time. 

All growing up my mom was really into bluegrass music; and I hated it. But at some point, it grew on me, and I can really enjoy it from time to time. 

I can't begin to tell you how much I was entertained by this guy. I almost feel bad for you, because this clip doesn't even do him justice.

I hope you can enjoy the little taste that I can give you!

Snowy NYC

I'll try to keep this one short, sweet, and simple.

The day after Christmas, NYC got hit hard with a blizzard bringing in a reported 20 inches of snow. Since then, the snow has slowed, but not stopped. About once a week, we'd get another dusting, if not a dumping. Thankfully it's been almost 2 weeks since we've gotten anything. Unfortunately, it's been so darn cold (and rainy) it hasn't melted much.

I really wanted to take advantage of the city when it was covered in a beautiful white blanket, so I went on a Central Park adventure not too long ago. The park is so beautiful during every season, but I think especially during this time of year.

I'll stop boring you with numbing chit chat and just let the photos to the talking...
- Please click on each image to view them large!
Enjoy!

This last one was taken the last week in January a day after our last big dumping. This is looking out my back door into our back yard. About an hour after this photo was taken, we had a snowman that was almost 6 feet tall, thanks in part to SP & my roomies. (sorry- you'll have to let your imagination do the work, unless we're FB friends, in which case go check him out there!)

Please feel free to leave any comments, or constructive criticism, I love to hear what you think!
I've been very inspired lately to get out and shoot more, so hopefully you'll be seeing more of my work here more often!

Thank you, as always for taking time out of your day to view my blog. 

Thanks for the memories

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in a while, I hope you can forgive me.
2010 was a good year, and from the looks of it so far, 2011 is going to be even better- one of the best!
I thought (even though I'm a couple of weeks late) I'd do a little recap on 2010. I'm so thankful for everything that happened (good and bad)!

January:

After "having my heart broken", I was still in my “brunette” phase. Nicole and I have spent the last 2 New Years Eve's together! It hard to believe she wasn't there with me to ring in 2011.

 February: 

By February I was pretty certain I’d be moving to NYC, so I wanted to make the most of the rest of my time in Oregon by taking as many trips, and seeing as many friends as I could. This is also when I decided to slowly make the transition back to blonde towards the end of the month. 

March:

More long weekends with friends. I finally accomplished my goal of running the Shamrock Run!! What would March be with out a little basketball, right?! GO BLAZERS!! I also got to see the love of my life, John Mayer, for the second time. Such an amazing experience. I love him so much. 

April:

Wrapping up my time in Oregon was very bitter sweet. The first few weeks of April are really a blur to me now. I was so stressed and exhausted, physically and emotionally. My farewell to the OPH could not have been better; I only wish I still kept in touch with my fellow pink ladies. My road trip away from Oregon was only a week, but felt like a month. Wow, moving is stressful! Thank goodness I have friends all across the country that I can visit!

May:

Who would have ever thought I’d live in Nebraska!? Even if it was only for 3 months! Being around for the birth of Melanie was such an amazing experience. I miss her, Meg, Kate, Tim, Barb, and all of my Omaha friends and family so much every day. It felt so fantastic to accomplish my second 10K at the end of May and with great time just under 55:00 minutes!

June:

June was jam packed! Weddings, College World Series, trips to Table Rock, weddings, visits from the family as they passed through to move to North Carolina, and oh yeah, more weddings. 

July:

July started out with a BANG with a great 2 week trip to Table Rock for the 4th of July and Tablestock to follow the weekend after (apparently ;) I also went fishing for the first time since I was 10 years old. It was a hot, hot midwest summer and sometimes all you want to do is just cool off in a pool. Well Uncle Tim and Aunt Barb didn’t have one... no problem. Great plans were made to “crash” a new pool each week and see how many we could get into by the end of the summer, but alas it only happened that one day. 

August:

August was a big month- as I learned my time in Omaha would be coming to a close a few weeks earlier than planned. I was not to leave Omaha without some fun first. Horseback ridding on Tim and Barb’s friends land, watching Melanie “swim” for the first time, and I was told by many that I was not allowed to leave until I checked out the Omaha zoo... check! I had a wonderful evening with friends and family as I said my goodbyes to Omaha and headed off to pick up Emily. Road tripping with Emily, going to Honda, walks in Columbus, and seeing the family one more time before we ventured off to the Big Apple. There were many a days when I honestly thought I’d never actually make my dream of moving to NYC a reality- and some days I still have my doubts if I’m actually just dreaming. 

September:

After a long journey of going from brunette to blonde, my hair was in need of a fresh start; just before Labor Day weekend, I chopped it all off. I was introduced to my new roommates! I went back to Wisconsin to see some faces I hadn’t seen in far too long and to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of my grandparents! It was particularly exciting for us considering the ENTIRE family had not fully been together in almost 10 years! I started my awesome internship with Jill.

October:

October was such an exciting month!! Our house was finally full when out last two roommates, Allen and Alaina moved in! It was also the month of visitors! Technically my first visitor was my cousin Jessica! Unfortunately, she was only able to stay in NYC for one night, and she was put up at a hotel by PBR. My first overnight gust was a good friend from high school, Shaun! It was so fun seeing him again after so long. Immediately after Shaun's trip came Sarah B!

November:

At the beginning of the month, I had another group of visitors I was so excited about! Andrea, Aunt Cammie, and Jimme with the first of my immediate family to come visit! Just before Thanksgiving, was when I began interviewing with Metropolis Collectables. I survived my very first Thanksgiving on my own, and enjoyed some good roommate bonding time. 

December:

After interviewing with Metropolis, I was feeling more positive about the possibilities of being employed. I knew that meant I was about to have A LOT less free time- so I went up to Vermont to see my good friend Brad. Brad has a great group of roommates/friends, and I had one of the best weekends I’d had in a very long time. Finally... I’m employed!! I swear by this point, I had almost given up hope that I would ever actually get a job. I’d actually gotten a phone call after returning from VT saying that they gave the job to someone else- only to be called a few days later to say “just kiiiiiiding... would you still be interested in the job?”

I am now officially the receptionist for Metropolis Collectables, and Vincent Zurzolo’s (the COO) assistant.

I also FINALLY had my first celebrity sighting! I was in the Chelsea Apple store one Sunday afternoon when I ran into Mr. Big (Chris Nothe)!!

Christmas time came and went far too quickly. I am so thankful that we were all able to make it to Greensboro before the blizzard hit! Also had a wonderful time visiting with Uncle Don at his farm in Virginia. 

I may have had my ups and downs, but at the end of 2010, I realize just how lucky I am. I have wonderful friends, an amazing family, beautiful roommates (inside and out), and live in the coolest city in the U.S.!

I know I always thank you for reading... so you guessed it, I’m gonna do it again. Your support means more to me than I could ever express. I can’t believe sometimes how many people are actually entertained enough by my life to read about it every few weeks.

I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday! I’ll see you all in the new year!